BP 344 IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS (IRR) AMENDMENTS

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCESSIBILITY

A. GENERAL PROVISIONS

1. Accessible Ramps

1.1 Changes in level shall require a ramp except when served by a

dropped sidewalk, curb ramp, an elevator, or other mechanical device.
1.2 Accessible ramps shall have the following facilities and features:
1.2.1 Minimum clear width of 1.20 m.
1.2.2 Gradient not steeper than 1:12.

Fig. A.1.1

Fig. A.1.2

DESIGN OF RAMP WIDER THAN 1.20 M. BUT NOT LESS

THAN 3000 mm. REQUIRING INTERMEDIATE HANDRAILS

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 Fig. A.1.3

1.2.3 For accessible ramps 3m or more in width, provide intermediate

handrails at the center. Use of double “J” type handrail supports
are recommended.

1.2.4. Maximum length of 6.00 m.: Accessible ramps with a total

length longer than 6.00 m shall be provided with intermediate
landings with a minimum length of 1.50 m.

Fig. A.1.4 RAMP DIMENSIONS

1.2.5 Level area not less than 1.80 m at the top and bottom of any
ramp.
1.2.6 Handrails on both sides of the ramp at 700 mm and 900 mm
from the floor of the ramp. (See Fig. A.4.1; A.4.2)

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 1.2.7 300 mm long extension of the handrail shall be provided at the
top and bottom of ramps.
1.2.8 Curbs on both sides of the ramp with a minimum height of 100
mm.

Fig. A.1.5 CURB HEIGHT AT RAMP

1.3 Any ramp with a rise greater than 170 mm and leads down towards an
area where vehicular traffic is possible, should have a railing across the
full width of its lower end, not less than 1.80 meters from the foot of
the ramp.

Fig. A.1.6 RAMPS & VEHICULAR TRAFFIC

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2. Slip Resistant Materials

2.1. Slip resistant materials shall have a Coefficient of Friction of 0.6 for
level surfaces and 0.8 for sloping surfaces (ASTM).

2.2. If carpets or carpet tiles are used on a floor surface:

2.2.1. it shall be securely attached;

2.2.2. have a firm cushion, pad, or backing;
2.2.3. have a level loop, textured loop, level cut pile, or level
cut/uncut pile texture;
2.2.4. maximum pile thickness shall be 13 mm;
2.2.5. Exposed edges of carpet shall be fastened to floor surfaces
and have trim along the entire length of the exposed edge;
2.2.6. Carpet edge trim shall comply with 4.5.2. Appendix Note
(ADA).

3. Handrails and Grab Bars

3.1. Handrails shall be required for accessible ramps for changes in grade
higher than 170 mm.
3.2. Handrails shall be installed at both sides of ramps and stairs.
Handrails may be provided at dropped sidewalks but should not be
installed beyond the width of any crossing so as not to obstruct
pedestrian traffic.
3.3. Handrails shall be installed at 900 mm and 700 mm above stairs or
ramps.

Fig. A.3.1

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 Fig. A.3.2

3.4. Railings for protection should be installed at a height of 1100mm

minimum, measured from the top of the rail to the finish floor for
ramps, balconies, landings or porches which are more than 750 mm
above adjacent grade. These shall be installed in addition to the
handrails required for accessible ramps (Section C, Item 2). (per NBC
Rule XII under Guard Rails.)

3.5. A 300 mm long extension of the handrail shall be provided at the top
and bottom of ramps and stairs.

Fig A.3.3 EASY TO GRASP DESIGN

3.6. Handrails and grab bars that require full grip should have an outside
diameter of 38 mm (minimum) to 45 mm (maximum).
3.7. Handrails attached to walls should have a minimum clear distance of
50 mm from the wall. Handrails on ledges should have a minimum
clear distance of 40 mm.
3.8. Stair handrails shall be continuous throughout the entire length and
around landings less than 2100 mm in length, except where it is

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 intersected by an alternative path of ravel or has an entry door
leading into it.

4. Parking

4.1. Accessible Parking Slot Requirement

Where parking spaces are required to be provided, the number of accessible

parking lots for vehicles driven by persons with disabilities or vehicles with
passengers with disabilities shall be in accordance with Table B.1.1 below:

ACCESSIBLE PARKING SLOT REQUIREMENT

TOTAL NUMBER OF
REQUIRED NUMBER OF ACCESSIBLE PARKING SLOTS
PARKING SLOT
1 – 25 1
26 – 50 2
51 – 75 3
76 – 100 4
101 – 150 5
151 – 200 6
201 – 300 7
301 – 400 8
401 – 500 9
501 – 1000 2% OF TOTAL SPACES
1001 - OVER 20+ (1 FOR EACH 100 OR A FRACTION THEREOF OVER 1000)

Table A.4.1 ACCESSIBLE PARKING SLOT REQUIREMENT

The building management should impose appropriate sanctions for the

unauthorized use of the reserved parking slots for vehicles of PWDs.

4.2. Parking slots for persons with disabilities should allow enough space for a
person to transfer from a vehicle to a wheelchair.
4.3. Accessible parking slots shall be located nearest to accessible main
entrances.
4.4. PWDs should be on board the vehicle to be able to use the reserved parking
space for PWDs (for control use). In addition, an access parking
sticker/card is required with control number.
4.5. Whenever and wherever possible, accessible parking slots should be
perpendicular or to an angle to the road or circulation aisles.
4.6. Parallel parking is discouraged unless it can be situated so that persons
entering and exiting vehicles will be out of the flow of traffic.
4.7. Accessible parking slots shall have:
4.7.1 A minimum width of 3.70 m and a length of 5.00 m.
4.7.2 A walkway with a minimum clear width of 1.20 m. provided between
the front ends of parked cars.
4.7.3 Dropped sidewalks or curb ramps leading to the parking level where
access walkways are raised.

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 Fig. A.4.1: ACCESSIBLE PARKING SLOT (PLAN)

Fig. A.4.2: ACCESSIBLE PARKING SLOT (3D VIEW)

4.7.4 Pavement markings, upright, pole mounted signages

4.7.5 Have a firm, level surface without aeration slabs.

Fig. A.4.3: ACCESSIBLE PARKING SLOT (SHOWING UPRIGHT/POLE

MOUNTED SIGNAGE

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 4.8. Parking slots for persons with disabilities shall never be located at ramped
or sloping areas.
4.9. For multi-storey indoor parking structures, accessible parking slots shall be
located right next to accessible elevators, or as close as possible to
accessible pedestrian entrances.
4.10. In buildings with multiple accessible entrances with adjacent parking,
accessible parking slots shall be dispersed and located closest to the
accessible entrances.
4.11. In parking facilities that do not serve a particular building, accessible
parking shall be located on the shortest accessible route of travel to an
accessible pedestrian entrance of the parking facility.
4.12. For all accessible parking slots, provide the following signage:
4.12.1 Pole mounted parking signage, 600 mm x 600 mm in size and
mounted at a minimum clear height of 2.00 m from the parking
floor.
4.12.2 Pavement sign painted or marked on the designated lot
complying with the following:
(a) a square with dimensions of at least 1.00 m but not more
than 1.50 m;
(b) be located in the center of the accessible parking slot;
(c) The International Symbol of Access shall be composed of
a white symbolized figure of a person in a wheelchair
with a square background in UN Blue Color. The
symbolized figure shall always face to the right.

Note: An intercom may be installed at the vicinity of the accessible

parking slot to enable persons with disabilities to call the
building management for assistance.

5. Signages

5.1. Symbol of Access

The International Symbol of Access shall be composed of a white

symbolized figure of a person in a wheelchair with a square background
in UN Blue Color. The symbolized figure shall always face to the right.
Provide directional arrows when the space/area/function being referred
to is facing left.

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 Fig. A.5.1

5.2. Directional and information (Audio, Visual, and Tactile) signages shall
be located at points that can be conveniently seen, heard, and felt by all
persons with disabilities.

Fig. A.5.2

Viewing Distance (m) Size (mm)

Up to 7.0 60 x 60
7.0 to 18.0 100 x 100
Above 18.0 200 x 200 t0 450 x 450

Height of Letters
Required Viewing Distance (m) Minimum Height of Letters (mm)
1.5 50
2.0 60
2.5 100
3.0 120
4.5 150
6.0 200
8.0 250

Table A.5.1

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5.3. Signages should be kept simple and easy to understand. Signages
should be made of contrasting colors and contrasting gray value to
make detection and reading easy. Tactile maps shall be provided to
guide persons with visual impairment.
5.4. The International Symbol of Access should be used to designate routes
and facilities that are accessible in combination with pictographs.
Directional signs incorporating the INTERNATIONAL SYMBOL OF
ACCESS, as shown in Figure A.5.1, shall be installed at passageways,
and at points where there are changes in direction to lead persons with
disabilities to various facilities such as lifts/elevators, entrances,
telephone booths, toilets, parking and the like.

Fig. A.5.2

5.5. Should a sign protrude into a sidewalk/walkway or route, a minimum

vertical clearance of 2.00 m should be provided. Obstacles, projections
or other protrusions shall be avoided in pedestrian areas such as
sidewalks/walkways, halls, corridors, passageways or aisles.
Pedestrians with visual impairments often travel using the edge of the
building line, hence, objects mounted on walls, posts, or sides of
buildings, should therefore not protrude more than 100 mm into
sidewalks/walkways and corridors.
5.6. Signs (graphics, text, and Braille) on walls and doors should be
installed at a maximum height of 1.50 m from the finish floor to the
center of the sign.

Fig. A.5.3: SIGN ON DOORS & WALLS

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5.7. Signs shall incorporate graphic, text, and Braille.

Fig. A.5.4
5.8 Signs and labels for public rooms, areas, and places should have tactile
symbols, letters or numbers that should be embossed with a minimum
height of 1 mm; Braille symbols shall be incorporated in signs
indicating public places and safety routes.
5.9 Tactile Ground Surface Indicators
Positional, directional, and warning tactile blocks must be provided to
warn people with visual impairments that they are approaching:
5.9.1 Stairways, other than fire exit stairs
5.9.2 Escalators
5.9.3 Passenger conveyors or moving walks
5.9.4 Ramps other than fire-exit ramps, curb ramps, swimming pool
ramps
5.9.5 In the absence of suitable protective barriers:
a. overhead obstructions less than 2.0 m above floor level
b. areas where pedestrian and vehicular traffic intersect.
6.0 Tactile warning indicators should have a 50% contrasting gray value
from adjacent floor finishes.

a. Tactile Maps

Character Proportion

Tactile letters and numbers on signs shall have a width to height

ratio between 3:5 and 1:1 and a stroke width to height ratio
between 1:5 and 1:10

Raised and Brailled Characters and Pictorial Symbol Signs

(Pictograms)

Letters and numerals shall be raised 0.75mm, upper case, sans

serif or simple serif type and shall be accompanied with Grade 2
Braille. Raised characters shall be at least 16mm high, but no
higher than 50mm. Pictograms shall be accompanied by the

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 equivalent verbal description placed directly below the pictogram.
The border dimension of the pictogram shall be 150mm minimum in
height.

Finish and Contrast

The characters and background of signs shall be eggshell, matt or

other non-glare finish. Characters and symbols shall contrast with
their background – either light characters on a dark background or
dark characters on a light background.

Table A.5.2

b. Tactile Floor Surfaces

Fig. A.5.5

Fig. A.5.6

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 Fig.A.5.7

Fig. A.5.7

SAMPLE USAGE OF TACTILE SURFACES

6. Stairs

6.1 Uniform risers of 150 mm (maximum) and treads of 300 mm

(minimum) shall be used.
6.2 Tread surfaces shall be of slip-resistant material; nosings shall be slip
resistant to further minimize slipping.
6.3 Slanted nosings are preferred than protruding nosings so as not to
pose difficulty for people using crutches or braces whose feet have a
tendency to get caught in protruding nosings.
6.4 Open stringers shall be avoided.
6.5 The leading edge of each step on both runner and riser should be
marked with a paint or non-skid material that has a color and gray
value which is in high contrast to the gray value of the rest of the
stairs.

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6.6 A tactile strip 300 mm wide shall be installed before hazardous areas
such as sudden changes in floor levels and at the top, bottom and
intermediate landings of stairs; special care must be taken to ensure
the proper mounting or adhesion of tactile strips so as not to cause
accidents.
6.7 Handrails shall be installed at 900 mm and 700 mm above stair treads.
A 300 mm long extension of the handrail should be provided at the top
and bottom, of stairs.
6.8 Stair handrails shall be continuous throughout the entire length and
extend not less than 300 mm beyond the top and bottom step.

Fig. A.6.1

Fig. A.6.2

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B. OUTSIDE AND AROUND BUILDINGS

1. Dropped Sidewalks

1.1 Dropped sidewalks should be provided at pedestrian crossings and at

the end of walkways of a private street or access road.
1.2 Dropped sidewalks at crossings shall have a width corresponding to
the width of the crossing.
1.3 For crossings and walkways less than 1.50 m. in width, the base/level
surface at the bottom of the ramp shall have a minimum depth of
1.50 m. with a width corresponding to the width of the crossing.

For crossings and walkways less than 1.50 m. in width, the base/level
surface at the bottom of the ramp shall have a minimum width
corresponding to the width of the crossing (4.00 M minimum for
national roads and as mandated by Local ordinances for local roads).

FIG. B.1.1 Perspective of Dropped Sidewalk

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Fig. B.1.2: Plan of DROPPED SIDEWALK

Fig. B.1.3a: VARIATION OF DROPPED

SIDEWALK AT CORNER

Fig. B.1.3b: OTHER VARIATION OF DROPPED

SIDEWALK AT CORNERS

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 1.4 Dropped sidewalks shall be sloped towards the road with a maximum
cross gradient of 1:100 (1%) to prevent water from collecting.

Fig. B.1.4: SECTION OF DROPPED SIDEWALK

1.5 The difference in elevation between the base/level area of a dropped

sidewalk from the road or gutter shall not exceed 19 mm.
1.6 Provide the following signage:
1.6.1 Pole mounted signage, 600 mm x 600 mm in size and mounted
at a minimum clear height of 2.00 m from the sidewalk floor.
Pole mounted signs (planted) should not obstruct the path of
pedestrians. {Refer to DPWH Guidelines (Road Signs and
Pavement Marking Manual) for installing pole mounted signs on
sidewalks.}
1.6.2 Pavement sign painted or marked on the ramp complying with
the following:
(a) a square with dimensions of at least 600 mm (for ramps
less than 1.20 m wide) but not more than 800 mm (for
ramps 1.20 m. and wider);
(b) be located at the center of each ramp;
(c) the color of the International Symbol of Access shall be
white on a blue background.

2. Curb Ramps

2.1 Curb ramps shall only be allowed when it will not obstruct a
sidewalk/walkway or in any way lessen the width of a
sidewalk/walkway or lessen the level/turning area of 1.50 m x 1.50 m.
Curb ramps shall only be allowed if the width of sidewalks/walkways

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 are more than 3.30 m with a corresponding curb height of 150 mm,
otherwise dropped sidewalks shall be used.
2.2 For drop off points for persons with disabilities at loading bays, the
minimum width of a curb ramp should be 900 mm.

Fig. B.2.1

Fig. B.2.2

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 Fig. B.2.3: CURB RAMP

Table B.2.1

2.3 Curb ramps shall have a gradient not steeper than 1:12.

2.4 Provide the following signage:

2.4.1 Pole mounted signage, 600 mm x 600 mm in size and mounted
at a minimum clear height of 2.00 m from the sidewalk floor.
Pole mounted signs (planted) should not obstruct the path of
pedestrian. (Refer to DPWH guidelines for installing pole
mounted signs on sidewalks.)

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 2.4.2 Pavement sign painted or marked on the ramp complying with
the following:
(a) a square with dimensions of at least 600 mm (for ramps less
than 1.20 m wide) but not more than 800 mm (for ramps
1.20 m. and wider);
(b) be located in the center of the ramp;
(c) the color of the International Symbol of Access shall be white
on a blue background.

3. Sidewalks and Walkways

3.1 The gradient along the length of sidewalks/walkways should be kept as

level as possible and shall make use of slip resistant material. Slip
resistant materials shall have a Coefficient of Friction of 0.6
for level surfaces and 0.8 for sloping surfaces (ASTM).
3.1 Whenever and wherever possible, sidewalks/walkways should have a
gradient not steeper than 1:20 or 5%.
3.2 Sidewalks/walkways should have a maximum cross gradient of 1:100
or 1%.
3.3 Sidewalks/walkways shall have a minimum width of 1.20 meters.

Fig. B.3.1: SIDEWALK / WALKWAYS

3.4 If possible, gratings should never be located along

sidewalks/walkways. When occurring along sidewalks/walkways, grills
of grating openings shall:
a. be perpendicular to line of travel
b. have a maximum center to center dimension spacing of 13 mm
between members;

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 c. not project nor be recessed more than 6mm above or below the
level of the sidewalk/walkway.
3.5 Sidewalks/walkways should have a continuing surface without abrupt
pitches in angle or interruptions by cracks or breaks creating edges
above 6 mm.

Fig. B.3.2: GRATINGS

3.6 In lengthy or busy sidewalks/walkways, spaces should be provided at

some point along the route so that a wheelchair may pass another or
turn around. These spaces should have a minimum clear dimension of
1.50 m and should be spaced at a maximum distance of 12.00 m
between rest stops.

Fig. B.3.3: REST STOP ON BUSY OR LENGTHY

SIDEWALK / WALKWAYS

3.7 To guide the person with visual impairment, sidewalks/walkways

should as much as possible follow straightforward routes with right
angle turns.

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 Fig. B.3.4

3.8 Where planting is provided adjacent to the sidewalk/walkway, regular

trimming is essential to ensure that branches of trees or shrubs do not
extend beyond sidewalks/walkways or paths, as not only do these
present a particular danger to the person with visual impairment, but
they also reduce the effective sidewalk/walkway width available to
pedestrians in general.

Fig. B.3.5

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 Fig. B.3.6

3.9 Sidewalk/walkway headroom should not be less than 2.00 m and

preferably higher.

Fig. B.3.7: SIDEWALK/WALKWAY HEADROOM

3.10 Sidewalks/walkways should not be obstructed by street furniture,

bollards, sign posts or columns along the defined route as they can be
hazardous to persons with disabilities.

4. Open Spaces

4.1 Where open spaces are provided, persons with visual impairment can
become particularly disoriented. Therefore it is extremely helpful if
sidewalks/walkways or paths can be given defined edges either
through the use of planters with dwarf walls, or a grass verge, or
similar, which provides a texture different from the path. Tactile
surfaces/markings should be provided.
4.2 Provide Pedestrian Dominated Priority Zones in commercial complexes,
to create a feeling of safety particularly persons with disabilities.

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5. Crossings

In order to reduce the exposure time to vehicular traffic, all crossings at

grade shall:

5.1 Be as perpendicular as possible to the carriageway.

5.2 Be located at the narrowest, most convenient part of the carriageway for
mid-block crossings.
5.3 Have a median/island of at least 1.5 m in depth, preferably 200 mm,
provided as a pedestrian refuge, where the width of carriageway to be
crossed exceeds 10.0 m or at least 4 lanes.

Fig. 5.1.1

5.4 Pedestrian crossings shall not be located at street corners but at a

minimum distance of 2000 mm from the corner.
5.5 Provide directional tactile strips in the immediate vicinity of crossings as
an aid to persons with visual impairment.

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 Fig. 5.1.2

5.6 Secondary national and local roads with pedestrian crossings shall be
provided with light controlled pedestrian crossing signals with
synchronized audible pedestrian traffic signals.
5.7 The audible signal used for crossings should be easily distinguishable
from other sounds in the environment to prevent confusion to persons
with visual impairment. A prolonged sound should be audible to warn
persons with visual impairment that the lights are about to change.
5.8 The flashing green period required for the person with disability should
be determined on the basis of a walking speed of 900 mm/sec. rather
than 1200 mm/sec. which is what is normally used. The minimum
period for the steady green (for pedestrians) should be the crossing
distance times 900 mm/sec. (Refer to Traffic Engineering Center
Guidelines for pedestrians with Disabilities).

C. INSIDE BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES

1. Accessible Entrances

1.1 Entrances shall be accessible from arrival and departure points to the
interior lobby.
1.2 One (1) entrance levels should be provided where elevators are
accessible.
1.3 In case entrances are not on the same level of the site arrival grade,
accessible ramps should be provided as access to the entrance level.

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 Fig. C.1.1

1.4 Entrances with vestibules shall be provided with a level area with at
least a 1.80 m. depth and a 1.50 m. width. (See Fig. C.1.2)

Fig. C.1.2 ENTRANCES WITH VESTIBULES

1.5 In cases where frameless transparent glass doors and any other
vertical transparent glass panels are provided, such glass panels
should be provided with horizontal or graphical patterns with
contrasting gray value color against adjacent and background colors,
between 800 mm and 1.50 m. above the floor to prevent PWDs from
bumping against it.

1.6 Accessible entrance/exit of a building shall be provided with large

overhanging roof (canopy) to protect PWDs as well as non-PWDs from
rain.

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2. Doors

2.1 All doors shall have a minimum clear width of 900 mm.
2.2 Clear openings shall be measured from the face of a fully open door at
90 degrees and the door jamb

Fig. C.2.1 Plan of SLIDING DOOR

Fig. C.2.2 Plan of SWING DOOR

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2.3 Lever type locksets should be operable by a pressure or force not
more than 1.0 kg; the door closer device pressure on an interior door
shall not exceed 4.0 kg.
2.4 A minimum clear level space of 1500 mm x 1500 mm shall be provided
before and extending beyond a door;
EXCEPTION: where a door shall open onto but not into a corridor, the
required clear, level space on the corridor side of the door may be a
minimum of 1200 mm corridor width.
2.5 Protection should be provided from doors that swing into corridors.

Fig. C.2.3

2.6 Out-swinging doors should be provided at storage rooms, closets,

toilets and accessible restroom stalls.
2.7 Latching or non-latching hardware should not require wrist action or
fine finger manipulation.
2.8 Lever type locksets and other hardware should be located between 20
mm and 1.06 m above the floor; 900 mm is preferred.

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 Fig. C.2.4

2.9 Vertical pull handles, centered at 1.06 m above the floor, are preferred
to horizontal pull bars for swing doors or doors with locking devices.
2.10 Doors along major circulation routes should be provided with kick
plates made of durable materials at a height of 300 mm to 400 mm.
2.11 For doors with peepholes, provide a secondary peephole at a height of
1.1 m from the finish floor for wheelchair users.

Fig. C.2.5

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